SYSTEM FOR MONITORING BIOLOGICAL DATA
A system and method configured to monitor biological data. The system includes a biosensor assembly for processing biological data of a living body. The biosensor assembly comprises a sensor configured to be coupled to a wearable item, for instance a cap worn on the head of a user. The sensor is positioned on the wearable item to gather raw biological data from the body of the user, when the wearable item is worn on the body of the user. The assembly further comprises a controlling unit configured to interpret raw biological data received from the sensor and interpret raw biological data by computing a value representative of a physiological condition of the body of the user. The controlling unit compares the representative value to a threshold value stored in memory to characterize the physiological condition of the user and alerts the user.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the design of biological data monitors.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during 1999-2003, a total of 3,442 deaths resulting from exposure to extreme heat were reported (annual mean: 688). Many heat-related deaths are preventable with early detection. A need, therefore, exists for a system and method for monitoring the physiological condition of persons, particularly in monitoring body temperatures and other biological data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides for a system and method configured to monitor biological data gathered by a sensor positioned on a living body. The system comprises a a controlling unit worn on the body and configured to interpret raw biological data received from the sensor and configured to alert the user of a physiological condition of the body.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough explanation. However, such specific details are not essential. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form. Additionally, for the most part, specific details within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art have been omitted.
I. The Biosensor Assembly 101 of the Systems 100, 100′Referring now to
In some embodiments, the biosensor assembly 101 interprets raw biological data, for example, by making comparisons of the raw data or representative data based on raw data with threshold values stored in memory. The biosensor assembly 101 may convey to a user of the biosensor assembly 101 information relating to the physiological condition of the living body. In some embodiments information is communicated through an alert 116, which may communicate to the user or other authorized person information related to the interpretation of the biological data made by the biosensor assembly 101. For example, based on a comparison of the biological data, or data related to or derived from the biological data, with threshold values stored in memory, the biosensor assembly 101 may determine that a physiological parameter is abnormal, like a high body temperature or a fast heart rate.
Referring to
Referring again to
The secondary device 103 may be any compatible device capable of communicating wirelessly along a path 120 with the biosensor assembly 101. The secondary device 103 may provide display capabilities and run a system software application for processing and output of raw biological data or data related to or derived from raw biological data. The secondary device 103 may comprise, for instance, a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop or desktop computer, PDA, an MP3 player (e.g. the Apple® Ipod® produced by Apple Inc.) or other computing device known by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
The alert 116 may be triggered by the response signal and communicated to the secondary device 103 wirelessly along the path 120. The alert 116 may comprise a sound, a display, a vibration, or other stimulus configured to communicate information to users of the secondary device 103.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring now to
The sensor pad assembly 110 may include at least a portion of a sensor unit 111 comprising one or more biological data capturing devices, such as a temperature sensor 111a, a presence sensor 111b and, in some embodiments, other types of sensors. The temperature sensor 111a and the presence sensor 111b may be mounted or affixed to the sensor pad 110 so that portions of the sensor pad 110 support the temperature sensor 111a and the presence sensor 111b. The temperature sensor 111a may comprise a thermistor, a thermal ribbon type sensor or other type of temperature sensor.
The presence sensor 111b may be either a resistive or capacitive electrical sensor, proximity sensor or other suitable sensor capable of detecting that the wearable item is no longer being worn by the body. In other embodiments, the presence sensor 111b may be capable of detecting that the sensor unit is positioned proximal to the body to capture raw biological data.
Other types of sensors may be used in place of or in addition to either one or both of the temperature sensor 111a and the presence sensor 111b. Such other types of sensors may include a shock sensor, such as an accelerometer, and/or a heart rate sensor, such as electrical or optical sensors that measure blood flow pulses through blood vessels of the body. In some embodiments, these other types of sensors may be mounted in conjunction with the temperature sensor 111a and the presence sensor 111b. In some embodiments, these other sensors may be mounted on other portions of the biosensor assembly 101.
III. Layers of the Sensor Pad Assembly 110Referring again to
On top of this layer or integrated inside the contact layer 113 is the presence sensor 111b.
A padding layer 114 may be coupled to the contact layer 113. The padding layer 114 may be manufactured from foam or other suitable material and positioned between the contact layer 113 and the temperature sensor 111a to protect the temperature sensor 111a from shock, moisture, and other environmental conditions that might disturb the temperature sensor 111a and/or compromise biological data gathering. The contact layer 113 may be glued (or otherwise bonded) to one side of the padding layer 114.
An adhesive layer 115 may hold the temperature sensor 111a to the padding layer 114 and also may be used for attachment to the wearable item 112. The adhesive layer 115 may comprise a sheet of adhesive paper or plastic having adhesive on one side, with the adhesive of the sheet holding the temperature sensor 111a to the padding layer 114.
IV. Attachment of the Biosensor Assembly 101 to the Wearable Item (the Cap 112)Referring to
In embodiments using adhesive, the sensor pad assembly 110 may be coupled to the wearable item 112 by attaching the wearable item 112 to the opposite side of the adhesive layer 115 from the side glued to the padding layer 114.
In some embodiments, the opposite side of the adhesive layer 115 does not have adhesive, but is coupled to the wearable item through attachment means readily known in the art, such as use of Velcro, snap fits, buttons, and zippers.
In some embodiments, the sensor pad assembly may be attached to the cap 112 by a permanent fastener, such integrating the sensor pad assembly 110 directly into the fabric of the cap 112 or using permanent glue as an adhesive.
In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 111a and presence sensor 111b may be attached to the cap 112 by integrating the temperature sensor 111a and presence sensor 111b directly into the fabric of the cap 112, and without using one or both of the contact layer 113 and/or the padding layer 114. In these embodiments, the fabric of the cap 112 may function to protect the sensors 111a, 111b from environmental conditions. If no contact layer 113 and/or padding layer 114 are used, the temperature sensor 111a and presence sensor 111b may be directly integrated into the fabric.
The PCB 102 and the battery 104 may be attached on the inside of the cap 112 between the cloth comprising the sweatband 122 of the head covering and the crown of the head so that the cloth comprising a sweatband 122 comprises a barrier between the skin portion 124 of the wearer and the biosensor providing protection and padding for added comfort to the wearer.
The cable 109 may be threaded through or around the sweatband 122 to connect the sensor pad 110 to the biosensor assembly 101. The sensor pad assembly 110 is attached to the outside of the sweatband 122, directly touching the skin 124 of the wearer.
Referring to
Referring back to
The PCB 102 may also include other sensors 111c (such as a shock sensor, or other sensor configured to capture biological data) that are located on-board the PCB 102 (see also
It should be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the sensors of the sensor unit 111, for example the temperature sensor 111a and the presence sensor 111b, may be integrated onto the PCB 102, instead of being distanced by the length of the cable 109. The length of the cable 109 may be shortened until effectively the sensor unit 111, comprised of sensors 111a, 111b, and 111c are entirely integrated onto the PCB 102.
The PCB 102 may comprise the controlling unit 108, a wireless communication transceiver 107a with an antenna 107b, which may also be a separate transmitter and receiver, a memory device 105 and an on-board signaling device 106a, such as a beeper or other types of human interface devices, including visual lights, visual display, and/or vibration devices.
The transceiver 107a and the antenna 107b may comprise a communication device configured to communicate with the secondary device 103 via a wireless network. The wireless protocol used by the biosensor assembly 101 (of either
As shown in
Turning now to
The controlling unit 108 of the biosensor assembly 101 may compute a value representative of the raw biological data from the sensors 111a, 111b, and in some embodiments other sensor 111c. The representative value may correlate to a physiological condition of the living body; for example the biosensor assembly 101 may compute a body temperature. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the representative value computed by the controlling unit 108 may correlate to a variety of physiological conditions and may depend on the type of sensor capturing the biological data. For example, the representative value may comprise a rate of change of a physiological parameter with respect to time or other parameter, such as measuring the rate of change of temperature, pulse, or blood pressure over time.
The biosensor assembly 101 may compare the representative value with a preset or adjustable value stored in the memory 105 to further characterize a physiological condition of the body. For example, the controlling unit 108 may compare the body temperature of the living body with a preset or adjustable threshold value stored in the memory 105 to determine that the temperature of the body is relatively too high. Or the controlling unit 108 may detect a rapid rise in pulse, when it compares the change in pulse rate versus a threshold value stored in the memory 105.
The controlling unit 108 may detect whether the cap 112 has been put on the living body. The controlling unit 108 may receive data from the presence sensor 111b indicative of the presence of a living body, for example a signal representative of capacitance or resistance generated by the presence sensor 111b. The controlling unit 108 may interpret this data as indicating that a living body is proximal to the sensor pad assembly 110, and may infer that the sensor unit 111 is in a position to receive reliable raw biological data, for example that it is in operational contact.
As shown in
It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the PCB 102 will include other commonly known and used parts such as data input and output ports to support operation of the PCB 102 within the system 100 or the second system 101′. The data input and output ports 118 may be provided for downloading and uploading data, programming, firmware updates, and other information apparent for operation of the biosensor assembly 101. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that such input and output ports 118 may comprise either wired or wireless ports for the exchange or transfer of data.
Referring back to
In some embodiments of system 100′, the biosensor assembly 101 may not include hardware for wireless communication, as shown in
Referring to
The on-board signaling device 106a may be affixed to the cap 112 and form a part of the biosensor assembly 101, as shown in
In the other embodiments of the system 100, the transceiver 107a, the antenna 107b of the biosensor assembly 101 shown in
In some embodiments, the systems 100 or 100′ may not include the presence sensor 111b. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill that the systems 100 or 100′ may incorporate other techniques, besides use of the presence sensor 111b designed to infer whether the cap 112 is being worn properly or whether the raw biological data gathered by the temperature sensor 111a, or other sensor, is reliable for characterizing the physiological condition of the body. For example, the controlling unit 108 may interpret an abnormally high or low temperature reading or pattern of readings as indicating by inference that the cap 112 is not on the wearer's body.
VI. The Housing 117 of the Programmable Circuit Board 102 and Battery 114Referring again to
The housing 117 may allow a user of biosensor assembly 101 of the system 100 (shown in
The systems 100 and 100′ shown and described above may be utilized in a method 200 configured to monitor biological data. The method 200 may comprise one or more operations shown in
An operational state of the biosensor assembly 101 may be controlled by switching the biosensor assembly between one or more modes. For example, the biosensor assembly 101 (shown in
The biosensor assembly 101 may comprise an “idle” mode where the biosensor assembly 101 is active and can send raw biological data to the PCB 102 for interpretation. In some embodiments, the biosensor assembly 101 may be activated by a wireless (or wired) signal sent to the PCB 102 at the point of manufacturing, or the PCB 102 may be pre-configured to be in the idle mode without requiring a wireless signal to activate the biosensor assembly 101. In other embodiments, the user may toggle the biosensor assembly 101 between the “off” mode and the “idle” mode through mechanical switches, wireless signals transmitted to the PCB 102, or other methods commonly known or apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
The biosensor assembly 101 may comprise an “active” mode, where the biosensor assembly 101 is gathering raw biological data, and the PCB 102 is receiving such data for interpretation. The active mode may be triggered by a positive signal from the presence sensor 111b that the sensors 111a and/or other sensor 111c are in position to take reliable raw biological data.
Referring now to
The cap 112 may be worn on the head so that presence sensor 111b detects that sensor unit 111 is positioned relative the body to take reliable raw biological data, for example that the sensor 111a is in operational contact with the body. In operation 202, shown in
As shown in the subprocess 201 shown in
In operation 210, the controlling unit 108 may determine whether the on-board signaling device 106a is available to generate the alert 116. The determination in operation 210 may depend on whether the biosensor assembly 101 includes an on-board signaling device 106a, or whether the user has disabled the on-board signaling device 106a, or whether the user has configured the controlling unit 108 to send a signal to both the secondary device 103 and the on-board signaling device 106a. The controlling unit 108 may determine that the on-board signaling device 106a is available, when the signaling device 106a is in an “on” state and is selected for generating alerts.
In some embodiments, the controlling unit 108 generates a signal to both the secondary device 103 and the on-board signaling device 106a, based on determinations made in operations 202 and 210. In operation 206, the secondary device 103 receives the command to generate the alert 116 at the external signaling device 106b. In operation 212, the controlling unit 108 may not send a signal to the on-board signaling device 106a based on the determination made in operation 210. For example, the controlling unit 108 may be configured to command only the external signaling device 106b to generate the alert 116.
In operation 214, the controlling unit 108 may send a signal to the on-board signaling device 106a to generate the alert 116. The creation of the alert 116 in operation 214 will depend on the determination in operation 210 that the signaling device 106a is available to generate alerts. For example, the controlling unit 108 may be configured to command only the on-board signaling device 106a to generate the alert 116, or the secondary device 103 may not be available for communication with the biosensor assembly 101.
In operation 216, the data relating to the event of operation 214 may be logged in the memory 105. Such data may include, but is not limited to, time stamps for alerts, sensor data logs, and communications logs between the biosensor assembly 101 and the secondary device 103.
Referring again to operation 202 in
In operation 218, the controlling unit 108 may generate a signal to indicate that the presence sensor 111b has not detected that the cap 112 is being worn based on the determination in operation 202. In some embodiments, no alert may be generated by the signaling device 106a or external signaling device 106b as a result of the indication in operation 218. In other embodiments, the controlling unit 108 may issue a command to the signaling devices 106a, 106b to generate an alert to inform the potential wearer or a user of the secondary device 103 that the cap 112 is not being properly worn to take raw biological data. If no presence is detected, the biosensor assembly 101 may continue in the idle mode. In operation 220, the data relating to the event of operations 202, 210, and 218 may be logged in the memory 105. Such data may include, but is not limited to, time stamps for alerts, sensor data logs, and communications logs between the biosensor assembly 101 and the secondary device 103.
In operation 222, the biosensor assembly 101 may transition between the idle mode to the active mode, based on the indication in operation 202 that the presence sensor 111b has detected that the sensors 111a and/or 111c are in proper position to take reliable biological data, for example that the sensors 111a and/or 111c are in operational contact with the body. In the active mode, the controlling unit 108 may receive temperature data gathered from the living body by the temperature sensor 111a of the sensor unit 111 for interpreting the data. In some embodiments, the controlling unit 108 may compute a representative biological data value based on the temperature data. This value may represent a physiological condition of the body; for example, the controlling unit 108 may compute the body temperature of the wearer. If the wearer is exposed to hot conditions and/or performs physical activity, his/her temperature will likely rise.
As shown in
In operation 222, the controlling unit 108 may interpret the biological data received from the sensors 111a and/or 111c. In some embodiments, the controlling unit 108 may make one or more comparisons of the body temperature computed by the controlling unit 108 with the threshold value stored in member 105. It will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that the interpretation of raw biological data in operation 222 may comprise other analysis of the biological data that will characterize a physiological condition of the body.
In operation 224, the controlling unit 108 may generate a signal to indicate that the body temperature has not reached a threshold value. In some embodiments, no alert may be generated by the signaling device 106a or external signaling device 106b as a result of the indication in operation 224. In other embodiments, the controlling unit 108 may issue a command to the signaling devices 106a, 106b to generate an alert to inform the potential wearer or a user of the secondary device 103 that the body temperature has not reached a threshold value within a certain time interval.
In operation 225, the controlling unit 108 may continue to repeat operation 222 for further monitoring and interpretation of the body temperature of the wearer. The operation of continuing to monitor and interpret body temperature may be based on a further indication that the presence sensor 111b has detected that the sensors 111a and/or 111c are in proper position to take reliable biological data. Execution of successive instances of operation 222 may be separated by a preset or adjustable time interval.
Once the body temperature of the wearer, as determined in operation 222, reaches a threshold value established within the logic of the controlling unit 108, the controlling unit 108 may activate the signaling device 106a or 106b with a response signal to generate the alert 116.
As shown in the subprocess 227 shown in
Referring to operation 228 in
In some embodiments, the controlling unit 108 generates a signal to both the secondary device 103 (indicated in operation 230) and the on-board signaling device 106a, based on determinations made in operations 222 and 228. In operation 238, the controlling unit 108 commands an available on-board signaling device 106a to generate the alert 116 to inform the user or a nearby bystander of the determinations made in operations 222 and 228. In operation 240, the information related to the events of operation 238 may be logged in memory 105.
In operation 236, the controlling unit 108 may generate a signal to indicate that on-board signaling device 106a is not available to generate alerts. For example, the controlling unit 108 may be configured to command only the external signaling device 106b, and not the on-board signaling device 106a, to generate the alert 116. In some embodiments, no alert may be generated by the signaling device 106a. In operation 237, the controlling unit 108 may log into memory 105 information related to the events of operation 236.
Referring again to operation 222 in
Following a first determination that the temperature of the body has not reached a threshold value stored in the memory 105 in operation 222, the controlling unit 108 may continue to monitor and re-execute operation 222, depending on the logic of the controlling unit 108. In operation 225 in
In some embodiments, the monitoring function of the controlling unit 108 in operation 222 may be delayed by a preset or adjustable interval of time. The monitoring function in operation 222 may be interrupted by a determination by the controlling unit 108 based on data from the presence sensor 111b that the cap 112 is no longer being worn or that the sensor unit 111 is no longer positioned for receiving raw biological data, for example the cap 112 is only partially worn due to movement of the wearer. In operation 219 in
In some embodiments, there may be multiple threshold values stored in the memory 105 of the controlling unit 108. These threshold values may trigger different alerts 116 based on the information that the user is intended to receive from the alert 116 and based on a determination of how the raw biological data compares to the threshold value. For example, the alert 116 generated by the on-board signaling device 106a may become increasingly alarming based on a potentially harmful rise in body temperature.
In some embodiments, the biosensor assembly 101 may send a first audible signal as the alert 116 associated with a first threshold value (i.e. the cap is being worn properly and has detected a “normal” body temperature), and the biosensor assembly 101 may send a second audible signal as the alert 116 associated with a second threshold value (i.e. the temperature has reached “elevated” but still safe levels). The controlling unit 108 of the biosensor assembly 101 may send different sequences of audible signals based on the associated threshold value. For instance, if the biosensor assembly 101 detects a body temperature of over one hundred (100) degrees Fahrenheit, the controlling unit 108 of the biosensor assembly 101 may send a signal to the signaling device to execute one beep; if the biosensor assembly 101 detects a body temperature of over one hundred and one (101) degrees Fahrenheit, the controlling unit 108 of the biosensor assembly 101 may send a signal to the signaling device to generate the alert 116; if the biosensor assembly 101 detects a body temperature of over one hundred and two 102 degrees Fahrenheit, the controlling unit 108 of the biosensor assembly 101 may send a signal to the signaling device to generate further beeps.
Such elevation in the number of beeps as the detected body temperature rises may continue in a similar pattern, or in an increasingly noticeable or alerting pattern, until action is taken to address the rise in temperature. The alerts generated may be configured to communicate to the user or other authorized person that the health of the body of the user is at greater risk compared to a normal condition or compared to a prior alert. This example is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the usefulness of the biosensor assembly 101 in detecting other changes in biological parameters. It would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that such thresholds may be set for other levels and different increments of increase or decrease (e.g. every 2 degrees decrease). It would be understood by and apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that thresholds for signaling the wearer or other persons may be implemented in the detection of other biological parameters, such as shock, heart rate, and blood pressure.
The alert 116 provided by the signaling device 106a or 106b of the biosensor assembly 101 to the user may not be only audible alerts; the alerts may also be vibrations (for example for the hearing impaired) generated by vibration device. Once the user receives the alert 116, he/she will know that his/her body temperature is rising. Such a rise in temperature may be an indication of that the body is overheating or that the body needs fluids and/or a cool down period in the shade, air-conditioned building, etc.
The controlling unit 108 may continuously receive data from the presence sensor 111b. The controlling unit 108 may repeat operation 202 continuously, or at preset or adjustable intervals, to monitor whether the cap 112 is being worn or whether the sensor unit 111 is in position to capture raw biological data, even when the biosensor assembly 101 is in the active mode of monitoring. When the cap 112 with the biosensor assembly 101 is taken off by the wearer and is no longer in operational contact with the body, the controlling unit 108 may receive data from the presence sensor 111b indicating that the controlling unit 108 may not be receiving reliable data from the temperature sensor 111a. In operation 219 in
An RFID connection may be established between the biosensor assembly 101 and the secondary device 103. The secondary device 103 may include an RFID reader to receive and interpret the RFID signal from the biosensor assembly 101, in system 100 shown in
In embodiments where the biosensor assembly 101 is used together with the secondary device 103, such as the system 100 shown in
In other embodiments, such as those shown for system 100′ in
In some embodiments, the secondary device 103 may comprise a network server in communication with a wireless network that is accessible by the biosensor assembly 101 through its wireless communication functionality. The biosensor assembly 101 may upload the data, event history, and other information stored in the memory 105 to the network server for later retrieval and analysis.
The systems 100 and 100′, shown and described above, may also be suitable for monitoring children. In one scenario of use of the system 100 shown in
Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A biosensor assembly configured to monitor biological data of a living body, the assembly comprising:
- a first sensor configured to be coupled to a wearable item, wherein the first sensor is positionable on the wearable item to gather raw biological data from the body when the wearable item is worn by the body;
- a controlling unit configured to be coupled to the wearable item and operationally connected to the first sensor, wherein the controlling unit is configured to receive the raw biological data gathered by the first sensor and to compute a representative value from the raw biological data;
- a memory configured to be coupled to the wearable item and operationally connected to the controlling unit, wherein the memory is configured to store a first threshold value for access by the controlling unit; and
- wherein the controlling unit is configured to compare the representative value with the first threshold value stored in the memory for characterizing a physiological condition of the body.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the controlling unit is configured to generate a response signal based on the comparison of the first representative value with the first threshold value.
3. The assembly of claim 2, the assembly further comprising:
- a signaling device operationally connected to the controlling unit, the signaling device configured to generate an alert to inform the user of a physiological condition of the living body; and
- wherein the signaling device is configured to generate the alert based on the response signal received from the controlling unit.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the signaling device is configured to be coupled to the wearable item.
5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the signaling device is not coupled to the wearable item, and wherein the operational connection of the secondary device to the controlling unit is a wireless connection.
6. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a presence sensor operationally connected to the controlling unit, wherein the controlling unit is configured to receive data from the presence sensor indicating that the wearable item is being worn by the body.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the controlling unit is configured to receive data from the presence sensor to detect that the first sensor is positioned relative to the body to gather reliable raw biological data from the body.
8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first sensor is a temperature sensor configured to gather temperature data from the body, and wherein the first sensor gathers a first temperature reading.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the controlling unit computes a first body temperature based on the first temperature reading, and wherein the controlling unit compares the first body temperature to the first threshold value to determine whether the first body temperature has exceeded the first threshold value.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the controlling unit is configured to generate a response signal based on a comparison of the first body temperature to the first threshold value; wherein the controlling unit sends the response signal to a signaling device, and wherein the signaling device is configured to generate an audible alert to indicate the results of the comparison of the first body temperature to the first threshold value.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the wearable item is a cap configured to be worn on the head of the body, and wherein the first sensor is coupled to the cap on an inner sweat band portion of the cap, and wherein, when the cap is worn by the body, the first sensor is positioned relative to the skin of the body to gather raw biological data from the body.
12. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the wireless connection between the secondary device and the controlling unit is Bluetooth.
13. A method configured to monitor biological data of a living body of a user of the method, the method comprising:
- providing a first sensor affixed to a wearable item and positionable on the body for gathering raw biological data from the body;
- providing a controlling unit having a memory, wherein the controlling unit is configured to interpret raw biological data received from the first sensor, wherein the controlling unit is operationally connected to the first sensor and affixed to the wearable item and wherein the memory is configured to store at least a first threshold value;
- receiving, by the controlling unit, a first instance of raw biological data gathered by the first sensor;
- computing, by the controlling unit, a first representative value from the first instance of raw biological data; and
- comparing, by the controlling unit, the first representative value with the first threshold value stored in the memory for characterizing a physiological condition of the body.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
- providing a signaling device operationally connected to the controlling unit;
- generating, by the controlling unit, a first response signal based on the comparison of the first representative value with the first threshold value;
- sending the first response signal to the signaling device; and
- generating, by the signaling device, a first alert to inform the user of a first physiological condition of the living body.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
- wherein the signaling device is affixed to the wearable item.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
- transmitting, via an antenna operationally connected to the controlling unit, the first response signal to the signaling device, wherein the operational connection between the controlling unit and the signaling device is a wireless connection.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
- receiving, by the controlling unit, a second instance of raw biological data gathered by the first sensor;
- computing, by the controlling unit, a second representative value from the second instance of raw biological data;
- comparing, by the controlling unit, the second representative value with a second threshold value stored in the memory;
- generating, by the controlling unit, a second response signal based on the comparison of the second representative value with the second threshold value;
- sending the second response signal to the signaling device;
- generating, by the signaling device, a second alert to inform the user of a second physiological condition of the living body; and
- wherein the second alert is configured to be distinguishable by the user from the first alert for distinguishing the first physiological condition from the second physiological condition of the body.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- wherein the first sensor is a temperature sensor;
- wherein the first representative value is a first body temperature of the body;
- wherein the second representative value is second body temperature of the body;
- wherein the first threshold value is a first threshold temperature;
- wherein the second threshold value is a second threshold temperature;
- wherein the first alert informs the user that the body temperature of the body has exceeded the first threshold temperature;
- wherein the second alert informs the user that the body temperature of the body has exceeded the second threshold temperature.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
- wherein the second alert is configured to communicate to the user that exceeding the second temperature threshold is a greater threat to the health of the body than exceeding the first temperature threshold.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 2, 2011
Publication Date: May 2, 2013
Inventors: Peter Linke (Dallas, TX), Eva Zeisel (Lewisville, TX)
Application Number: 13/287,851
International Classification: A61B 5/01 (20060101); A61B 5/00 (20060101);